Storage Forest Gate Health and Safety Policy
Storage Forest Gate is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all employees, customers, contractors and visitors. This policy sets out our approach to managing health and safety in our storage and removal operations, including packing, lifting, loading, transport, and secure storage of goods.
We recognise that effective health and safety management is essential to the success of our removal and storage services. We aim to prevent accidents, work-related injuries and ill health by identifying and controlling risks, promoting safe systems of work and continuously improving our standards.
Policy Aims and Objectives
The main aims of this Health and Safety Policy are to
Promote a positive health and safety culture throughout Storage Forest Gate and all associated removal and storage activities.
Comply with all applicable health and safety legislation and recognised industry best practice.
Identify hazards associated with storage, handling, lifting and transport and implement effective control measures.
Provide staff with appropriate information, instruction, training and supervision to carry out their duties safely.
Continuously review and improve our health and safety performance.
Management Responsibilities
Senior management at Storage Forest Gate has overall responsibility for ensuring that effective arrangements are in place to protect the health, safety and welfare of employees and others who may be affected by our activities.
Management will
Set clear health and safety objectives and allocate sufficient resources to meet them.
Ensure that risk assessments are carried out for all key tasks, including lifting, loading, driving, and working in storage areas.
Implement safe systems of work and communicate them clearly to all employees.
Provide and maintain safe vehicles, equipment, tools and storage facilities.
Regularly monitor health and safety performance and investigate incidents, accidents and near misses to prevent recurrence.
Employee Responsibilities
All employees, including permanent, temporary and agency staff, have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.
Employees are expected to
Follow all health and safety procedures, training and instructions provided by Storage Forest Gate.
Use equipment, vehicles and protective equipment correctly and report any defects immediately.
Cooperate with management on all health and safety matters, including attending training and participating in risk assessments where required.
Report any hazards, near misses, accidents or unsafe conditions promptly so that action can be taken.
Refrain from misuse or interference with anything provided in the interests of health and safety.
Risk Assessment and Safe Working Practices
Storage Forest Gate carries out regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards in our removal and storage operations. These assessments cover activities such as manual handling, use of trolleys and lifting aids, vehicle loading and unloading, working in confined or stacked storage areas and working at customer premises.
Findings from risk assessments are used to develop safe working practices, including
Planning of removals and storage tasks to avoid unnecessary lifting and carrying.
Use of suitable equipment and aids for moving items, where reasonably practicable.
Clear procedures for stacking, securing and storing items to prevent falls or collapses.
Safe vehicle loading and securing of loads before transport.
Control of access to storage areas to prevent unauthorised entry and reduce risk.
Manual Handling and Lifting
Manual handling is a core part of removal and storage work. To reduce the risk of injury, Storage Forest Gate
Provides manual handling training covering correct lifting techniques, team lifting and the use of handling aids.
Encourages staff to assess each lift, considering weight, shape, route and environment before proceeding.
Requires employees to request assistance or equipment where items are heavy, awkward or hazardous.
Monitors manual handling practices and takes corrective action where unsafe techniques are observed.
Vehicles, Driving and Transport
Safe use of vehicles and transport is essential to our removal services. Storage Forest Gate
Ensures that vehicles are maintained in a safe and roadworthy condition, with regular inspections and servicing.
Requires drivers to hold appropriate licences, follow road safety rules and comply with driving hours and break requirements where applicable.
Provides guidance on safe loading, securing of goods, and use of restraints to prevent load movement in transit.
Promotes safe parking, reversing and manoeuvring procedures, including the use of banksmen where necessary.
Storage Facilities and Site Safety
Our storage facilities are managed to minimise risks to staff and visitors. Measures include
Maintaining clear access routes, emergency exits and fire escape routes at all times.
Using appropriate shelving, stacking methods and labelling to prevent falling items.
Implementing housekeeping standards to keep walkways clear of trip hazards.
Ensuring adequate lighting and signage in storage and loading areas.
Restricting access to operational areas to authorised personnel only where required.
Training, Information and Supervision
Storage Forest Gate provides health and safety training relevant to each role, including induction training for new starters and refresher training as needed. This may cover manual handling, equipment use, vehicle safety, fire safety, first aid awareness and site-specific rules.
Supervisors are responsible for monitoring compliance with safe working practices and providing guidance and feedback. Information on health and safety procedures is made available to all staff, and any changes are communicated promptly.
Accidents, Incidents and First Aid
All accidents, incidents and near misses must be reported as soon as possible to a manager or supervisor so that they can be recorded and investigated. This allows Storage Forest Gate to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
Suitable first aid arrangements are provided, including trained first aiders and first aid equipment. Employees must familiarise themselves with the location of first aid supplies and the procedures for obtaining assistance.
Fire Safety and Emergency Procedures
Storage Forest Gate maintains fire safety arrangements appropriate to its premises and operations. These include fire detection and alarm systems where required, suitable fire extinguishers, clear evacuation routes and assembly points.
Staff are informed of emergency procedures, including how to raise the alarm, evacuation routes and responsibilities during an emergency. Fire drills may be carried out to ensure that procedures are effective and understood.
Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
This Health and Safety Policy is monitored on an ongoing basis and formally reviewed at regular intervals, or following significant changes to operations, legislation or after serious incidents. Feedback from employees and customers is welcomed to help improve safety performance.
Storage Forest Gate is committed to continual improvement in health and safety standards across all aspects of its removal and storage services. By working together and following this policy, we aim to provide a safe, reliable and professional service for everyone involved.
